Former National Guardsman from Florida Died in Alaska

Alaska Army National Guard soldier dies in Copper River

San Francisco Chronicle
June 10, 2019

Before joining the Alaska Army National Guard, Hepler was in the Florida Army National Guard from 2001 to 2004.

GLENNALLEN, Alaska (AP) — A 35-year-old Alaska Army National Guard soldier from Fort Greely died when he fell into the Copper River while dipnetting for salmon.

Alaska State Troopers say the body of Sgt. 1st Class Russell Hepler was recovered.

Alaska Army National Guard officials say Hepler was a full-time soldier in the 49th Missile Defense Battalion's military police company at Fort Greely.
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Fort Greely Commander suspended amid probe

Greely commander suspended amid probe
By Joe Gould
Staff writer
June 11, 2013

The Army has formally suspended Lt. Col. Joseph L. Miley, commander of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely, Alaska., according to an Army statement.

Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, the commander of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, suspended Miley today after an investigation into possible misconduct within the Alaska Army National Guard battalion.

“He was suspended until further notice by Gen. Formica, the commander of SMDC/ARSTRAT,” said Marco Morales, a spokesman for the command. “He’s still in the area, but he’s not the commander anymore.”
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'Open season' for sex at Alaskan base, military officials say

'Open season' for sex at Alaskan base, military officials say
By Jim Miklaszewski and Courtney Kube
NBC News
May 25, 2013

An Army battalion commander at the Space and Missile Defense Command at Fort Greely, Alaska, is under investigation for allegedly "condoning" adultery and creating an "open season" climate when it comes to sexual activity among the troops, military and defense officials tell NBC News.

According to one military official, "It's as if that was the only thing to do" at the remote Alaska base.

As of now, there appear to be no allegations of sexual assault involved in the investigation. The sources report there are allegations that an officer or officers had sexual relations with female soldiers under their command.
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